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6. Water treatment

6.1 Introduction
Water can be contaminated by the following agents:

Pathogens disease-causing organisms that include bacteria, amoebas and viruses, as well as the eggs and larvae of parasitic worms. Harmful chemicals from human activities (industrial wastes, pesticides, fertilizers). Chemicals and minerals from the natural environment, such as arsenic, common salt and fluorides. Some non-harmful contaminants may influence the taste, smell, colour or temperature of water, and make it unacceptable to the community.

Water from surface sources is often contaminated by microbes, whereas groundwater is normally safer, but even groundwater can be contaminated by harmful chemicals from human activities or from the natural environment. Rainwater captured by a rooftop harvesting system or with small catchment dams is relatively safe, provided that the first water is allowed to flow to waste when the rainy season starts. The amount of water to be treated should also be assessed. This can be estimated by assuming that each person will need a minimum of 2050 litres of water a day for drinking, cooking, laundry and personal hygiene. A community should be consulted when choosing a water-treatment system and should be made aware of the costs associated with the technology. In particular, community members should be made aware of the behavioural and/or cultural changes needed to make the system effective over the long-term and thus be acceptable to them. Communities may also need to be educated about protecting water sources from animal or human contamination, and mobilized. It should be emphasized that all the positive effects of a water-treatment system could be jeopardized if the water is not drawn, stored and transported carefully and hygienically. The Fact Sheets in this section deal with both community and household methods for treating water. Some household treatment methods and their effectiveness are summarized in Table 6.1, whereas the following household and community water-treatment technologies are described in greater detail: Household water-treatment systems boiling; household slow sand filter; domestic chlorination. Community water-treatment systems storage and sedimentation; up-flow roughing filter; slow sand filtration; chlorination in piped water-supply systems.

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TABLE 6.1 HOUSEHOLD WATER-TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESSa

Effectiveness over factors that affect water quality Treatment system Straining through fine cloth Consists in pouring raw water through a piece of fine, clean, cotton cloth to remove some of the suspended solids. Aeration Oxidizes iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). Good aeration of the water is also important for slow, sand filtration to be effective, especially if there is not enough oxygen in the surface water. Water can easily be aerated by shaking it in a vessel, or by allowing it to trickle through perforated trays containing small stones. Storage/pre-settlement Storing water for only one day can eliminate some bacteria, but it should be stored for 48 hours to eliminate cercaria (snail larvae). The longer the water is stored, the more the suspended solids and pathogens will settle to the bottom of the container. The top water can then be used after sedimentation. Coagulation, flocculation and settlement In coagulation, a liquid coagulant, such as aluminium sulfate, is added to the water to attract suspended particles. The water is then gently stirred to allow the particles to come together and form larger particles (flocculation), which can then be removed by sedimentation, settlement or filtration. The amount of coagulant needed will depend on the nature of the contaminating chemical compounds and solids. Slow sand filtration Water passes slowly downwards through a bed of fine sand at a steady rate. The water should not be too turbid, otherwise the filter will get clogged. Pathogens are naturally removed in the top layer where a biological film builds up. A potential problem is that some households do not use this technology effectively and the water can remain contaminated. Bacteria, amoebas b Guineaworm Cercaria Fe, Mn Fluoride Arsenic Salts Odour, taste Organic matter Turbidity

a b

Adapted from: Skinner & Shaw (1998). The treatments were categorized as being: of no effect, or of unknown effectiveness (); of little effect (); moderately effective (); highly effective ().

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TABLE 6.1 CONTINUED

Effectiveness over factors that affect water quality Treatment system Rapid sand filtration The sand used is coarser than in slow sand filtration and the flow rate is higher. The method is used to remove suspended solids and is effective after the water has been cleared with coagulation/flocculation. There is no build-up of biological film, hence the water will still need to be disinfected. It is easier to remove trapped debris from upflow sand filters, compared to filters in which the water flows downwards. Charcoal filter Granular charcoal (or granulated activated carbon) can be used in filtration and is effective in improving the taste, odour and colour of the water. However, it should be replaced regularly, because bacteria can breed in it. Ceramic filter The filter is a porous, unglazed ceramic cylinder and impurities are deposited on its surface. Filters with very small pores can remove most pathogens. Open, porous ceramic jars can also be used. The ceramic filter method can only be used with fairly clear water. Solar disinfection Ultraviolet radiation from the sun will destroy most pathogens, and increasing the temperature of the water enhances the effectiveness of the radiation. In tropical areas, most pathogens can be killed by exposing the contaminated water to sun for five hours, centred around midday. An easy way to do this, is to expose (half-blackened) clear glass/ plastic bottles of water to the sun. Shaking the bottle before irradiation increases the effectiveness of the treatment. The water must be clear for this treatment to be effective. Bacteria, amoebas Guineaworm Cercaria Fe, Mn Fluoride Arsenic Salts Odour, taste Organic matter Turbidity

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TABLE 6.1 CONTINUED

Effectiveness over factors that affect water quality Treatment system Chemical disinfection Chlorination is the most widely used method of disinfecting drinking-water. Liquids (such as bleach), powders (such as bleaching powder), and purpose-made tablets can be used. Iodine can also be used as a chemical disinfectant. Deciding on the right amount of chlorine to use can be difficult, because the effectiveness of chlorination depends on the quality of the untreated water, which may vary according to the season. Boiling Bringing the water to a rolling boil will kill most pathogens, and many are killed at lower temperatures (e.g. 70 C). This approach can be expensive, however, because fuel/charcoal is needed to boil the water. Desalination/evaporation Desalination by distillation produces water without chemical salts and the method can be used at household level. The method can be expensive because of the capital investment needed and because fuel/charcoal is used to heat the water. The volume of water produced is also low. Bacteria, amoebas Guineaworm Cercaria Fe, Mn Fluoride Arsenic Salts Odour, taste Organic matter Turbidity

6.1.1 Should water be chlorinated?1

The water-treatment methods described above can reduce the number of pathogens in water, but do not always eliminate them completely. And although boiling and solar disinfection are effective, the methods are impractical with large volumes of water. In contrast, chemical disinfection inactivates pathogenic organisms and the method can be used with large volumes of water. Chlorine compounds usually destroy pathogens after 30 minutes of contact time, and free residual chlorine (0.20.5 mg per litre of treated water) can be maintained in the water supply to provide ongoing disinfection. Several chlorine compounds, such as sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite, can be used domestically, but the active chlorine concentrations of such sources can be different and this should be taken into account when calculating the amount of chlorine to add to the water. The amount of chlorine that will be needed to kill the pathogens will be affected by the quality of the untreated water and by the strength of the chlorine compound used. If the water is excessively turbid, it should be filtered or allowed to settle before chlorinating it.

From Parr, Smith & Shaw (1995).

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6.1.2 Reducing the concentration of chemicals in water Iron and manganese
Water collected from boreholes can have a high concentration of iron (greater than 0.3 mg/l, the WHO guideline value). This can be the result of a naturally high iron content in the soil, or the result of corrosion (from iron pipes, borehole casings and screens). The iron gives the water an unpleasant metallic taste and odour, stains laundry and white enamel on sinks and bowls, and discolours food. Although such levels of iron are not known to be harmful, the undesirable properties can cause communities to accept contaminated water that has no taste, instead of safe water that has a metallic taste. Most of the iron can be removed simply, by aerating the water and filtering it through sand and gravel. The sand and gravel used in the filters will need to be cleaned periodically. Similar problems arise when water has excessive manganese concentrations (above 0.1 mg/l, the WHO guideline value), but again the water can be treated by aeration, followed by filtration and settlement.

Fluoride
High concentrations of fluoride (above 1.5 mg/l, the WHO guideline value) can damage bones and teeth. Low-cost treatment methods include the Nalgonda system (which uses lime to soften the water), and using alum as a coagulant. With either treatment, the water is then left to settle at the same time it is being chlorinated.

Arsenic
Arsenic is widely distributed throughout the Earths crust and enters water as dissolved minerals. It can also enter water bodies in industrial effluents, or by deposition from the atmosphere. Arsenic concentrations greater than the WHO guideline value of 0.01 mg/ l are toxic. Simple treatment methods include adding lime to soften the water, or adding alum as a coagulant, followed by settlement. When arsenic (or fluoride) is to be removed at household level, the implementation should always be carefully planned and supported by the community.

6.1.3 Solar disinfection1

The principle underlying solar disinfection is that microorganisms are vulnerable to light and heat. One easy and simple way to treat water is to use the SODIS system (SOlar DISinfection), which has been tested both in the laboratory and in the field. A transparent container is filled with water and exposed to full sunlight for several hours. As soon as the water temperature reaches 50 C, the inactivation process is accelerated and usually leads to complete bacteriological disinfection. More information on this method can be obtained from the Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG).

6.2 Boiling2
6.2.1 The technology
Heating water is an effective way to kill the microorganisms in it. WHO recommends that the water be brought to a vigorous boil. This will kill, or inactivate, most organisms that cause diarrhoea. High turbidity does not affect disinfection by boiling, but if the water is to be filtered, this must be done before boiling. For household use, water is mostly boiled in a pot on a stove. If it is not to be stored in the same pot in which it was boiled, the water
1 2

From Wegelin & Sommer (1998). Gilman & Skillicorn (1985).

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should be poured into a clean storage container immediately after boiling, so that the heat of the boiled water will kill most of the bacteria in the storage container. Fuel costs, and the time involved in boiling and cooling the water, limit the usefulness of this method. A study in Bangladesh estimated it would cost 7% of the average family budget to boil all the water for the village (Gilman & Skillicorn, 1985). Also, fuel prices continue to rise in most parts of the world.

6.2.2 Main O&M activities

Disinfection of water by heating is norFigure 6.2 Boiling of water mally carried out within the household. Usually, the water is brought to a rolling boil in a clean pot on a stove, sometimes with herbs added to the water. The water is then allowed to cool down. Care must be taken not to contaminate the water after boiling. When fuel has to be collected or treated, this may take up a lot of a households time. In the kitchen, everyday maintenance includes checking the stove and pots. The frequency with which the stove will need to be repaired or replaced will depend on stove design, the quality of materials and workmanship, and intensity of use. Pots are seldom repaired, and earthen pots often need to be replaced. The necessary skills for O&M activities are usually available in all communities.

6.2.3 Actors and their roles

Actors Roles Skills required

Household member. Collect fuel and water, boil water, clean utensils, monitor boiled water supply, repair mud stove. Blacksmith. Repair metal stove.

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Technical skills.

6.2.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Daily collect fuel; boil the water; clean the containers; clean the stove. Occasionally repair the stove. Mud, stones, metal. Pliers, hammer, steel saw, welder. Wood, charcoal, kerosene, cattle dung. Water, fuel. Water, sand, ashes, soap. Water, sand, ashes, soap. Rope, can, bag. Stove, pot. Cloth, brush. Cloth, brush. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

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6.2.5 Potential problems
the water becomes recontaminated after boiling; fuel for boiling the water is scarce and, consequently, expensive; boiled water tastes flat this may be corrected by adding herbs to the water during boiling and not drinking it for six hours after it has been boiled.

6.3 Household slow sand filter1

6.3.1 The technology
With a household slow sand filter, water is passed slowly downwards through a bed of sand, where it is treated by a combination of biological, physical and chemical processes. Fine particles in the water are filtered out by the sand, while microorganisms grow on top of the sand filter and feed on bacteria, viruses and organic matter in the water. The filter can be made of clean 200litre steel barrels connected by hoses. The system consists of a raw-water supply tank, a filter tank and a clean water tank. A floating weir (that can be made of a bowl, two small tubes and a hose) in the supply tank maintains a constant Figure 6.3 Household flows and filter flow of water to the top of the filter tank, where it is purified by passing downwards through a 4560-cm bed of washed sand and a 5-cm layer of fine gravel. The water flows through the sand at about 0.1 m/hour (1 m3 m-2 h-1). Water drains from the bottom layer of the filter tank via a perforated tube and is led to a clean water-storage tank. To prevent oxidation of the steel barrels, they must be treated with cement mortar, or any safe protective paint. Instead of steel barrels, tanks of ferrocement and other materials can also be used. All tanks should be protected with lids. With good operation and maintenance, a household slow sand filter produces water virtually free from disease-causing organisms. Initial cost: This depends on the local cost of used metal drums and other parts. Yield: 380 litres per day for a tank 0.45 m in diameter. Area of use: In places where drinking-water is unsafe and needs to be purified at household level. Manufacturers: Local artisans can make a household slow sand filter.

6.3.2 Main O&M activities

For a slow sand filter to be effective, the flow of water must be maintained at a constant 0.1 m/h. This provides the organisms in the filter with a stable flow of nutrients and oxygen, and gives them time to purify the water. The flow rate of the water is regulated by adjusting the floating weir. The raw-water storage tank must never be allowed to empty. After a few weeks of operation, (or a few months, depending on the quality of the rawwater), the flow rate in the filter will become too low. At this point, 12 cm of sand and
1

USAID (1982).

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organic material must be scraped off the top of the filter, washed, dried in the sun and put aside. When the filter bed becomes too thin, the washed sand is restored. This is done by taking some more sand from the top of the filter, adding back the washed sand from previous operations, and then placing the sand just taken out on top of the filter. Every year, the tanks must be checked for corrosion, and any leaks repaired immediately. Occasionally, the clean-water tank may need to be disinfected with chlorine, and a hose or tap may need to be repaired. As a household slow sand filter is operated at family or household level, the organizational structure for operation already exists. At least one person in each household should be trained in matters of hygiene, and in the O&M of the filtering system. It may also be beneficial to have a local laboratory to support and train families on water-quality issues.

6.3.3 Actors and their roles

Actors Family member. Local artisan. External support. Roles Use water, fill raw-water tank, regulate flow, change sand filter, perform small repairs. Construct system, repair taps and leaks. Train family members, check water quality. Skills required

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Technical skills. Highly qualified.

6.3.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Daily fill raw-water reservoir; check flow rate. About every six weeks scrape off sand from top of filter, wash, dry and store it. Occasionally repair tap; disinfect clean water tank. Yearly or less restore sand. Every two years replace hoses. Hose. Knife. Water, clean recycled and new sand. Bucket, sieve. Washer, spare tap. Chlorine. Screwdriver, spanners. Bowl, spoon. Water. Scraper, bucket. Raw water. Watch. Bucket. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

6.3.5 Potential problems

water quality drops if the flow rate through the filter is too high; if the water flow is interrupted for more than a few hours, or if the surface of the filter runs dry, beneficial microorganisms in the filter may die and the effectiveness of the filter may be impaired; excessive turbidity (>30 NTU) in the raw water can cause the filter to clog rapidly, in which case a pre-filter may be needed;

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when water quality is very poor, harmful and bad-tasting products like ammonia may be formed in the lower layers of the filter; smooth vertical surfaces in the filter tank may cause short circuits in the water flow, producing badly-filtered water; in some regions, sand is expensive or difficult to get as an alternative, other materials such as burnt rice husks can be used; household slow sand filters require a substantial investment and dedicated O&M, and can thus be expensive.

6.4 Water chlorination at household level1

6.4.1 The technology
Chlorination of water at household level can be used as an emergency measure or as part of everyday life. When water quality cannot be trusted, a carefully measured amount of concentrated chlorine solution is added to a container with a known amount of clear water. The mixture is stirred and left for at least 30 minutes, to let the chlorine react and oxidize any organic matter in the water. After this, the water is safe to drink. The amount of chlorine needed depends mainly on the concentration of organic matter in the water and has to be determined for each situation. After 30 minutes, the residual concentration of active chlorine in the water should be between 0.20.5 mg/l, which can be determined using a special test kit. The concentrated chlorine solution can be made of clear water and chlorine-producing chemi- Figure 6.4 Domestic chlorination using a chlorine cals, such as bleaching powder, sodium tablet hypochlorite, or organic chlorine tablets. It can be prepared at household level, but also in larger quantities and distributed among the households. A concentrated chlorine solution should be used within a relatively short time (defined according to the compound used) before it loses its strength. In some cases, chlorine-producing chemicals are added directly added to the water, without prior dilution. Some chlorine products come in combination with a flocculant to help settle suspended material in the water. Initial cost: The costs depend on the type of chlorine compound used, the quality of the untreated water, etc. Yield: About 1501400 m3 treated water per kg of dry chemical, depending on the water quality and the strength of the concentrated chemical. Area of use: Wherever drinking-water needs to be disinfected at household level, and chlorine is available. Trademarks: Chlor-dechlor; Dazzle; Halamid; Halazone; Javelle; Milton; Regina; Zonite and many others.
1

White (1986)

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6.4.2 Main O&M activities
In some cases, the water will need to be pre-treated (e.g. by filtering), to remove particulate matter. Chlorine-producing chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry place, and care should be taken not to get any of the chemicals in the eyes or on clothes. Disinfection with chlorine can easily be learned and needs to be done regularly. Apart from cleaning and occasional replacement of containers and utensils, no maintenance is needed. If the concentrated chlorine solution or chlorine-producing chemicals are provided by an external organization, there will be logistical and administrative problems, and training to deal with. Sometimes communities organize the buying of chemicals themselves, but even then some training at household level will be useful.

6.4.3 Actors and their roles

Actors Roles Skills required

Household member. Disinfect the water, clean the containers and utensils. Local health worker. Prepare concentrated chlorine solution, or provide the chlorine chemical itself. Local shopkeeper. External support. Sell chlorine chemical. Determine doses, train water users.

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Basic skills. Highly qualified.

6.4.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Daily treat the water with chlorine. Weekly prepare concentrated chlorine solution; clean containers and utensils. Occasionally recalculate the proper chlorine dose. Water sample, test media. Test kit. Hypochlorite, chlorinated lime, etc., clear water. Clean water, soap. Bottle, spoon, scale. Brush or cloth. Concentrated chlorine solution, clear water. Water container, measuring cup, stirring rod. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

6.4.5 Potential problems

if the water quality varies over time, the required dose of chlorine has to be recalculated; if they are not stored properly, chlorine-producing chemicals lose their strength quickly even when stored under the best conditions, bleaching powder loses half of its strength in about a year; chlorine-producing chemicals and test media are often not readily available.

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6.5 Storage and sedimentation1

6.5.1 The technology
The quality of raw water can be improved considerably by storage. During storage, non-colloidal, suspended particles slowly settle to the bottom of a storage tank, and solar radiation will kill some of the harmful organisms in the water. Schistosoma larvae, for example, will die after storage for at least 48 hours. In contrast, colloidal particles remain in suspension. The smaller the suspended particles, the longer the water needs to be retained in Figure 6.5 Storage and sedimentation the reservoir. If the suspended matter precipitates very slowly, chemicals can be added to induce coagulation and flocculation. The reservoir can be constructed in several ways: below ground level, with a lining of plastic sheeting to separate the stored water from the ground; with a lining of loam, clay or concrete; entirely from brick or concrete. Reservoirs for sedimentation usually have two separate sections. While one is in use, the other can be cleaned. They have an intake on one side of the reservoir (or at the bottom), an outlet on the opposite side just beneath the water level, and a bottom outlet to flush the deposited material. When the water quantity or quality at the source is temporarily low, a large storage reservoir can also provide an alternative temporary source of water. Initial cost: Depends on the type of construction. Range of depth: Usually, 0.72.0 m. Treatment time: A few hours to several days. Area of use: Wherever raw water contains high concentrations of suspended solids, or where the quality or quantity of the water at the source varies considerably.

6.5.2 Main O&M activities

Usually, water will be let in to the storage reservoir every day or continuously, but when the water quality becomes too poor and there is sufficient water stored in the reservoir, the water intake may be stopped temporarily. The reservoir will have to be flushed regularly to remove the deposited silt the frequency for this will depend on the silt content of the water and the reservoir depth. All valves in the system must be opened and closed at least once every two months to keep them from becoming stuck. Occasionally, the valves may need to be repaired or replaced, and leaks in the reservoir will have to be fixed. Apart from some help from the water users to clean the reservoir after it has been flushed, the system requires little support from an established organization to maintain it.

Water Research Centre and WHO Regional Office for Europe (1989).

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6.5.3 Actors and their roles
Actors Caretaker. Water committee. Water user. Roles Regulate the water flow, flush the reservoir, perform small repairs. Supervise the caretaker. Assist in cleaning the reservoir. Skills required

Local or area mason. Repair leaks in the brickwork or concrete. Local or area mechanic. Repair the valve.

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Basic skills. Technical skills.

6.5.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Daily regulate the inlet. Regularly flush deposited silt. Every two months open and close the valves. Occasionally repair the valves; repair leaks. Washers, nuts and bolts, spare valve. Plastic, clay, cement, sand, etc. Spanners, screwdriver, wrench, pipe threader, etc. Spade, hoe, chisel, hammer, bucket, trowel, etc. Broom, spade, bucket. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

6.5.5 Potential problems

leaks, which should be repaired immediately; if the solids in the water do not settle quickly enough, coagulation and flocculation may be needed.

6.6 Upflow roughing filter1

6.6.1 The technology
Roughing filters are often used to pretreat water by removing suspended solids from the water that could rapidly clog a slow sand filter. Roughing filters can also considerably reduce the number of pathogens in the water, as well as the amount of iron and manganese. There are many types of roughing filters with different flow directions (downflow, upflow and horizontal flow filters), and with different types of filter medium (e.g. sand, gravel, coconut husk fibre). Upflow roughing filters are relatively cheap and easier to clean than downflow or horizontal flow filters. An upflow filter box can be made of bricks, concrete or ferrocement. It can have a round or rectangular shape, with vertical or partially inclined walls, and it is usually about 1.5 m deep. Water flows in through an underdrain system on the bottom, usually a perfo1

Wolters & Visscher (1989); Galvis et al. (1993).

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rated PVC pipe, which also permits rapid abstraction during cleaning when the flow direction is reversed (backwashing). For backwashing, a special drainage valve is installed which can be opened quickly. The underdrains are covered with a layer of coarse gravel, on top of which lie several layers of finer gravel and coarse sand. The filter layers are covered with a 0.1 m-deep layer of boulders, to avoid exposing the outflow directly to sunlight; this helps to prevent algal growth. The outflow is stored in an outlet structure. In some cases, the outflow of one roughing filter is fed to another roughing filter with finer material for further cleaning.

Figure 6.6 Upflow roughing filter

Initial cost: Reported construction costs are US$ 2040 per m3 of water per day, for a structure designed to be in operation for 24 hours a day (data from Colombia, 1986; Wolters & Visscher, 1989). Filtration rate: Approximately 0.6 m/h. Performance: If raw water with a turbidity below 50 NTU is used as the source for a roughing sand filter, the outflow has a turbidity below 12 NTU. Approximately 8498% of suspended solids are removed. Better results are obtained with two or three filters in series. Use: As a pre-treatment stage prior to slow sand filtering or other purification processes.

6.6.2 Main O&M activities

The filters should preferably be operated on a continuous basis. Operation consists of regulating the water flow and checking the turbidity of the effluent. Flow, turbidity and maintenance data are written in a logbook. If the turbidity gets too high, the filter may become clogged. In such cases, the filter should be cleaned about once a month, while leading the effluent to outlet. The inlet and outlet boxes are then cleaned, and backwashing and refilling are done twice. The monthly cleaning is performed by the caretaker and takes about half a day. No special assistance from users is required to clean the filters. Every two months, all valves should be completely opened and closed, to keep them from becoming stuck. After a year or more (depending on the turbidity of the raw water), hydraulic cleaning alone is no longer adequate, and the different filter layers have to be removed and cleaned, which requires several people. The filter should be cleaned before the turbidity of the raw water reaches a maximum (e.g. before the rainy season starts). Occasionally, the valves need to be repaired or replaced, and if a steel weir is used this may need to be painted or replaced. New caretakers can be trained by experienced technicians.

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6.6.3 Actors and their roles
Actors Caretaker. Water committee. Water user or paid worker. Local or area mechanic or plumber. Roles Regulate the water flow, keep a logbook of repairs etc., clean the filters hydraulically, organize manual cleaning. Supervise the caretaker, organize manual cleaning. Assist in manual cleaning. Repair or replace valves. Skills required

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Basic skills. Technical skills.

6.6.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Daily regulate the water flow; make entries into a logbook. Weekly hydraulically clean the filters. Monthly stir the top layer of the filter. Every two months open and close all valves. Every two years manually clean and refill the filter. Annually grease the valves; paint the steel parts. Occasionally repair or replace the valve. Washers, lids, bolts, nuts, spare valve. Spanners, wrench, screwdriver, pipe threader, etc. Grease. Anticorrosive paint. Grease pot, cloth. Steel brush, paintbrush. Raw water. Spade, bucket, wheelbarrow, sieves, washbasin. Raw water. Rake, hoe. Raw water. Logbook, pen. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

6.6.5 Potential problems

high loads of organic and other suspended material in the raw water clog the filter and reduce the hydraulic cleaning capacity; roughing filters only remove some of the solids and pathogens in the water, and additional treatment is needed.

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6.7 Slow sand filtration1

6.7.1 The technology
The treatment of water by slow sand filtration combines biological, chemical and physical processes when the water slowly passes downwards through a bed of sand. Fine particles are filtered out, and in the sand and on top of the filter bed a population of microorganisms develops that feed on bacteria, viruses and organic matter in the water. The filter reservoirs have drains on the bottom covered with gravel and sand. Raw water Figure 6.7 Slow sand filter slowly enters the filter through an inlet, and an outlet leads the clean water from the drains to the clean-water mains. During operation, the sand filter is covered with a water layer of 0.31.0 m. For the filter to work well, water must flow continuously at a rate of 0.10.3 m/hour. For community use, filter reservoirs can be made of concrete, bricks, ferrocement, etc. At least two filters are needed if clean water is to be provided continuously. When the quality of the raw water is poor, it is recommended that pretreatment steps be added (e.g. upflow roughing filter). Sometimes, the water is chlorinated after filtration to prevent recontamination. With good O&M, a slow sand filter produces water virtually free of harmful organisms. For the small-scale application of this method, see section 6.3 Household slow sand filter. Initial cost: Data from rural India in 1983 indicate an initial cost of US$ 60130 per m2 of filter area. In Colombia, the cost was US$ 105215 per m2 in 1987. Yield: 0.10.3 m3 m-2 hour-1. Area of use: All over the world. Manufacturers: Slow sand filters can be built by experienced contractors, or by communities with external technical assistance.

6.7.2 Main O&M activities

For a slow sand filter to be effective, it must be operated and maintained properly. The flow of water must be maintained at a rate between 0.10.3 m per hour. This provides a stable flow of nutrients and oxygen to the microorganisms in the filter and gives them time to treat the water. After several weeks to a few months, the population of microorganisms may get too dense and start to clog the filter. The flow rate of the water into the sand filter may then have to be adjusted, or the layer of water above the filter will build up and become too high. If flow rates get too low, the filter must be drained and the top layer of the sand scraped off, washed, dried in the sun, and stored. After several scrapings, the cleaned and dried sand is added back to the filter, together with new sand, to make up for losses during washing. Every two months, all the valves must be opened and closed to keep them from becoming stuck, and any leaks in the system must be repaired immediately. The caretaker of a slow sand filter should keep a logbook with flow rates and O&M activities. Slow sand filters can be operated and even monitored by communities, provided the caretakers are trained well. It takes a caretaker less than one hour a day to check whether the filter is functioning properly and to adjust flow rates, although cleaning the site and other activities may take more time. Several people can clean a filter unit
1

Visscher et al. (1987); IRC (1993).

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in only one day, but it is important that hygienic measures are observed every time someone enters the filter unit for maintenance or inspection work. If the filter is well-designed and constructed, hardly any repairs of the filter tanks and drainage system will be needed, although the valves and metal tubing may need occasional attention. Test kits to monitor water quality are available and they require only basic training to use. A slow sand filter for community use requires considerable organization to be able to provide enough people for scraping and resanding the filter units. A local caretaker will have to be trained, and others may need to be trained to test the water quality and to be able to stand in for the caretaker. Apart from extra sand, some chlorine and test materials, very few external inputs are needed. With proper external assistance, water organizations can manage their water treatment independently.

6.7.3 Actors and their roles

Actors Local caretaker. Water user or paid worker. Water committee. Local plumber. External support. Roles Regulate flow, keep site clean, lead scraping and re-sanding. Assist in scraping and re-sanding of filter units. Supervise the caretaker, monitor water quality, collect fees, organize scraping and re-sanding. Repair valves and piping. Train the caretaker, monitor water quality. Skills required

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Basic skills. Technical skills. Highly qualified.

6.7.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Daily check the inflow; regulate the flow; keep a logbook; clean the site. About every six weeks scrape off the sand, wash, dry and store. About every 18 months re-sand the filter. Occasionally repair the valve; replace the metal tubing; disinfect the filter outlets. Regularly analyse the water quality. Water sample, test media. Test kit. Washers, spare valve. Nipples and accessories, plumbing sealant or Teflon, cement, sand. Chlorine. Spanners, screwdriver, wrench Steel saw, wrench, pipe threader, hammer, chisel, trowel, bucket. Bucket, brush. Recycled and new sand, water, disinfectant for tools, boots for feet. Sieve, wheelbarrow, hoe, rake, spade, rope, bucket, ladder, planks. Water, disinfectant for tools, boots for feet. Wheelbarrow, hoe, rake, spade, rope, bucket, ladder, planks, broom, wash basin. Logbook, pen. Broom. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

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6.7.5 Potential problems
if the flow rates through the filter are too high, water quality drops; excessive turbidity (>30 NTU) in the raw water can cause the filter to clog rapidly, in which case a pre-filtration step may be needed; when the water quality is very poor, harmful and bad-tasting products such as ammonia may be formed in the filter; it may take some time for people to believe that a green and slimy filter can produce safe water; if the water flow is interrupted for more than a few hours, beneficial microorganisms in the filter may die and the filter action will become impaired; smooth vertical surfaces in the filter can cause short circuits in the water flow and result in poor-quality water; in some regions, sand is expensive or difficult to get; slow sand filters require a substantial initial investment, and dedicated O&M; it takes a few days for a filter to ripen after re-sanding and in this period the water quality is lower.

6.8 Chlorination in piped systems1

6.8.1 The technology
Chlorination is a chemical method for disinfecting water. The chlorine inactivates pathogens in the water and provides a barrier against recontamination. It is normally applied at the last stage of a drinking-water treatment process. The most frequently used low-cost technology methods are batch chlorination and flow chlorination. For batch chlorination, a concentrated chlorine solution is added to the water in a reservoir, with both inlets and outlets closed. The water is stirred and the chlorine is left to react for at least 30 minutes. After that, the outlets can be opened. When the reservoir is empty, the outlets are closed Figure 6.8 Floating bowl chlorinator and the reservoir is refilled with a new batch of water to be disinfected. Flow chlorinators continuously feed small quantities of a weak chlorine solution to a flow of fresh water, often at the inlet of a clear-water reservoir. Usually, a small reservoir containing the chlorine solution is placed on top of the water reservoir and the solution is administered close to the point where fresh water comes in, and turbulence guarantees good mixing. A special device, such as the floating bowl chlorinator, enables precise dosage. Sometimes a special electric pump is used for this purpose. Electrical devices that convert a solution of kitchen salt to active chlorine can be purchased for on-site chlorine production. Small test kits are also available for monitoring and for adjusting chlorine doses to the water quality and quantity. Chlorine-producing compounds must always be stored and prepared with care. Initial cost: A chlorinator and hoses can cost as little as US$ 15, but there will be addi1

Water Research Centre & WHO Regional Office for Europe (1989).

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tional costs for the tank, for the concentrated chlorine solution, and for the construction costs of a protective shelter. Yield: Generally, 3501400 m3 of treated water per kg of a 70% chlorine compound. Area of use: Wherever drinking-water needs to be disinfected and chlorine is available.

6.8.2 Main O&M activities

The flow rate of the raw water must be checked and adjusted if necessary, and the chlorine tank must be refilled with a freshly-prepared solution once or twice a week. Operators must be careful to avoid contact with chlorine compounds or solutions, and use protective gloves and utensils to prepare the chlorine solutions. The gloves and utensils will need to be replaced occasionally. In some cases, the amount of chlorine added to the water, together with residual chlorine levels, are recorded in a logbook. Chlorinators must be adjusted and cleaned of chlorine salts regularly, and when the hoses become corroded by chlorine they must be replaced. If a steel chlorine tank is used, it must be painted and checked for corrosion every year, and the shelter for the chlorine tank needs to be maintained. Usually, the water committee appoints a caretaker who is trained for such work. The chlorine compound itself must be obtained from a merchant or the health department, and an adequate supply of chlorine compound must be kept in stock. An external organization, such as a government health or water department, will provide training for caretakers and perform monitoring.

6.8.3 Actors and their roles

Actors Caretaker. Water committee. Local health worker, shopkeeper or merchant. External support. Roles Refill the chlorine tank and prepare the chlorine solution, clean and adjust the chlorinator, perform small repairs. Supervise the caretaker, collect fees. Provide or sell chlorine compounds. Check residual chlorine in water and adjust doses, train the caretaker. Skills required

Simple (often requires gender-specific awareness-raising, and training activities to change behaviour and build capacity); Basic skills. Highly qualified.

6.8.4 O&M technical requirements

Activity and frequency Once or twice a week refill the chlorine tank. Regularly adjust and clean the chlorinator; check and adjust chlorine doses. Occasionally replace the hoses and chlorinator. Annually paint the steel tank. Latex paint. Steel brush, paint brush. Hose, small tubes (plastic, glass, etc.), plug, bowl. Knife, nail. Water. Test media, water samples. Measuring cup, stopwatch. Test kit. Chlorine compound, water. Spoon, scale, bucket, stirring rod. Materials and spare parts Tools and equipment

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6.8.5 Potential problems
chlorination is less effective in alkaline water (pH above 8.0); when the water contains excessive organic matter or suspended material, it will need to be pretreated; the cost and availability of chlorine compounds can be serious limitations; chlorination affects the taste of water and for this reason the water may be rejected by consumers who have not been informed; on the other hand, users may believe a chlorine taste indicates that the water has been disinfected, but water can still taste of chlorine even when not enough has been added to purify it. Despite these limitations, disinfecting drinking-water by chlorination is one of the most effective and least-expensive technologies available and should be encouraged.